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007Acura

2014 Grand Cherokee - Ordering Information and Pricing - USA and Canada

Compiled by Milous/WK2Jeeps.com

Last updated: January 17, 2013

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USA 4X2 base MSRP
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Laredo 4X2 - $28,495 + $1700 "E" package (required) + $995 destination
Limited 4X2 - $35,595 + $995 destination
Overland 4X2 - $42,495 + $995 destination
Summit 4X2 - $47,495 + $995 destination

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USA 4X4 base MSRP
-----------------------------------------------------

Laredo 4X4 - $30,495 + $1700 "E" package (required) + $995 destination
Limited 4X4 - $37,595 + $995 destination
Overland 4X4 - $45,495 + $995 destination
Summit 4X4 - $50,995 + $995 destination
SRT 4X4 - $62,995 + $995 destination


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USA 4X4 - Detailed Options & Pricing
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1. Laredo 4X4 - MSRP $30,495 + $1700 "E" package + $995 destination

with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23E (Standard)

Laredo - Options

18" WHEEL AND 8.4" RADIO GROUP (AEX) [MSRP $1,495 / INV. $ 000]
(Attention! AEX includes WPK18" wheels and RA3 8.4"
screen radio. Attention! RA3 radio does not come with
navigation installed. Navigation requires dealer
activation at additional cost.)

• 18X8.0 Aluminum Wheels (WPK)
• 6 Mo. Trial (Registration Required) (X9J)
• 8.4" Touch Screen Display (RFL)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Roadside Assistance and 9-1-1 Call (RSR)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• Uconnect 8.4A AM/FM/BT/Access (RA3)
• Uconnect Access Advantage (RS7)

ALL WEATHER CAPABILITY GROUP (AD3) [MSRP $1,695 / INV. $ 000]
• Daytime Running Headlamps, Low Beam (LM1)
• Engine Block Heater (NHK)
• Heated Front Seats (JPM)
• Heated Steering Wheel (NHS)
• Hill Descent Control (BNH)
• MOPAR Cargo Area Liner (CMK)
• MOPAR Slush Mats (CWA)
• Quadra-Trac II (R) 4WD System (DKA)
• Remote Start System (XBM)
• Selec-Terrain (TM) System (XAB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Exhaust Tip (NEB)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE I (AWL) [MSRP $950 / INV. $ 000]
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Hill Descent Control (BNH)
• P245/70R17 OWL On/Off Road Tires (TUW)
• P245/70R17 OWL On/Off Road Tires (TUW)
• Quadra-Trac II (R) 4WD System (DKA)
• Selec-Terrain (TM) System (XAB)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

POWER SUNROOF (GWA) (requires AJY SECURITY & CONVENIENCE GROUP) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
Single pane sunroof

SECURITY AND CONVENIENCE GROUP (AJY) (requires GWA POWER SUNROOF) [MSRP $2000 / INV. $ 000], - with AD3: [MSRP $1350 / INV. $ 000]
• 115V Auxiliary Power Outlet (JKV)
• Cargo Compartment Cover (CSC)
• Heated Front Seats (JPM)
• Heated Steering Wheel (NHS)
• Power Liftgate (JRC)
• Remote Start System (XBM)
• Security Alarm (LSA)
• Universal Garage Door Opener (XGD)

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1)[MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV (AHX) [MSRP $795 / INV. $ 000] with AWL: [MSRP $645 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Rear Load Leveling Suspension (SES)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)


Laredo Interior

BLACK (with Miknasa Walnut wood trim)
BLACK/LT FROST BEIGE (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)


2. Limited 4X4 - MSRP $37,595 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22H (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $4,500 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23H (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27H [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,195]

Limited Options

20X8.0 ALUMINUM WHEELS (WRD) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• 265/50R20 BSW All Season Tires (TV9)

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ADG) (requires AHN) [MSRP $1695 / INV. $ 000]
• Advanced Brake Assist (BGG)
• Auto Dim Exterior Passenger Mirror (LEU)
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection (XAN)
• Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control (NH1)
• Forward Collision Warning Plus (LSR)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

LUXURY GROUP II (AHN) N/A W/23H; N/A W/27H [MSRP $3000 / INV. $ 000]
(Attention! RA3 is included with AHN. RA3 requires
dealer activation to get navigation. RA4 is available with
AHN and comes with Premium Navigation installed
from the manufacturer.)
8.4" TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY (RFL)
AUTO HIGH BEAM HEADLAMP CONTROL (LMS)
AUTOMATIC HEADLAMP LEVELING SYSTEM (JKJ)
BI-XENON HID HEADLAMPS (LM2)
DUAL-PANE PANORAMIC SUNROOF (GWJ)
LEATHER TRIM SEATS W/PERF INSERTS (*DL)
LED DAYTIME RUNNING HEADLAMPS (LMZ)
POWER TILT/TELESCOPE STEERING COLUMN (SUB)
RAIN SENSITIVE WINDSHIELD WIPERS (JHC)
ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND 9-1-1 CALL (RSR)
UCONNECT 8.4A AM/FM/BT/ACCESS (RA3)
UCONNECT ACCESS ADVANTAGE (RS7)
VENTILATED FRONT SEATS (CAJ)

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE I (AWL) N/A W/AWY [MSRP $550 / INV. $ 000]
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE II (AWY) N/A W/AWL [MSRP 1,950 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Quadra-Drive II 4WD System (AWB) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Quadra-Lift (TM) Air Suspension (SER)
• Selec-Speed (TM) Control (BNK)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Tow Hooks (XEA)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Trailer Tow Group IV (AHX)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

POWER SUNROOF (GWA) N/A W/AHN [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
Single pane sunroof

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22H; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV (AHX) included with AWY [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000] with AWL: [MSRP $645 / INV. $ 000]
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 220 Amp Alternator (BAJ)
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Rear Load Leveling Suspension (SES)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)

UCONNECT 8.4A AM/FM/BT/ACCESS (RA3) [MSRP $395 / INV. $ 000]
• 8.4" Touch Screen Display (RFL)
• GPS Antenna Input (JLP)
• Roadside Assistance and 9-1-1 Call (RSR)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (RSD)
• Uconnect Access Advantage (RS7)
• Uconnect Access via Mobile (RSW)

UCONNECT 8.4AN AM/FM/BT/ACCESS/NAV (RA4) [MSRP $795 / INV. $ 000]
• 1 Yr. Trial (Registration Required) (X9K)
• 1-Year Sirius Travel Link Service (X9F)
• 1-Yr SIRIUS RealTime Traffic Service (X9C)
• For Details, Go to DriveUconnect.com (X9E)
• RR View Auto Dim Mirror w/Microphone (GN5)
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio (RSD)
• SiriusXM Traffic (RSS)
• SiriusXM Travel Link (RSM)

Limited Interior

BLACK (with Miknasa Walnut wood trim)
BLACK/LT FROST BEIGE (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)


3. Overland 4X4 - MSRP $45,495 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22P (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $4,500 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) + 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23P (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27P [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,195]

Overland options

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY GROUP (ADG) [MSRP $1,695 / INV. $ 000]
• Advanced Brake Assist (BGG)
• Blind Spot and Cross Path Detection (XAN)
• Enhanced Adaptive Cruise Control (NH1)
• Forward Collision Warning Plus (LSR)

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AAE) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE II (AWY) [MSRP $295 / INV. $ 000] with EXF or EZH: [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• 18X8.0 Polished Aluminum Wheels (WBL)
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Front Suspension Skid Plate (XEU)
• Fuel Tank Skid Plate Shield (XEE)
• P265/60R18 BSW AS On/Off Rd Tires (TP5)
• Quadra-Drive II 4WD System (AWB) (with 3.0L or 5.7L)
• Selec-Speed Control (BNK)
• Skid Plate Group (ADL)
• Trail Rated Badge (MT2)
• Transfer Case Skid Plate Shield (XEF)
• Underbody Skid Plate (XF3)

QUADRA-DRIVE II 4WD SYSTEM (AWB) (requires 27P) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000] with AWY and EXF or EZH: [(no charge)]
• Elec LTD Slip Differential Rr Axle (DSF)
AWB included with AWY when ordering 27P

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22P; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

Overland interior

BLACK (with Nador Brown Walnut wood trim)
BROWN/LT.FROST (with Brown Zebrano open-pore wood trim)
INDIGO BLUE/BROWN (with Brown Zebrano open-pore wood trim)


4. Summit 4X4 - MSRP $50,995 + $995 destination

with 3.0L V6 TURBO DIESEL ENGINE (EXF) 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 22R (Late Availabilty) [MSRP $5,000 / INV. $ 000]
with 3.6L V6 VVT ENGINE (ERB) 8-SPD AUTO 845RE TRANS (DFL) 23R (Standard)
with 5.7L V8 MDS VVT ENGINE (EZH) 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 27R [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 2,695]

Summit options:

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER (NHK) [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

MOPAR CHROME EDITION GROUP (AEE)[MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• Chrome Exterior Mirrors (LEN)
• MOPAR Chrome Tubular Side Steps (MRT)
• MOPAR Frt & Rr Door Entry Guards (MUA)

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/22R; N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

Summit interior

BLACK (with Summit Brown open-pore wood trim)
BROWN (with Summit Brown open-pore wood trim)


5. SRT - MSRP $62,995 + $995 destination

with 6.4L V8 SRT HEMI MDS ENGINE (ESG) + 8-SPD AUTO 8HP70 TRANS (DFD) 29L (Standard)

SRT Options

20X10.0 FORGED ALUMINUM WHEELS "Black Vapor Chrome" (WF9) [MSRP $595 / INV. $ 000]

20X10.0 FORGED ALUMINUM WHEELS "Satin Carbon" (WPJ) [MSRP $595 / INV. $ 000]

295/45ZR20 BSW 3 SEASON TIRES [MSRP $895 / INV. $ 000]

DUAL-PANE PANORAMIC SUNROOF [MSRP $1595 / INV. $ 000]

ENGINE BLOCK HEATER [MSRP $95 / INV. $ 000]

FULL SIZE SPARE TIRE [MSRP $150 / INV. $ 000] with AHX: [(no charge)]

REAR DVD ENTERTAINMENT CENTER (AEK) N/A W/RH1 [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
Late Availability; -Includes Blu Ray/DVD/CD Player

SINGLE DISC REMOTE CD PLAYER (RH1) N/A W/AEK [MSRP $195 / INV. $ 000]

SRT HIGH PERFORMANCE AUDIO (AJE) [MSRP $1,995 / INV. $ 000]
• 19 SPKRS High Perf Audio (RCA)
• 825 Watt Amplifier (RDH)

TRAILER TOW GROUP IV (AHX) [MSRP $995 / INV. $ 000]
• 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness (XF2)
• Class IV Receiver Hitch (XFH)
• Delete Rear Tow Hook (XC8)
• Full Size Spare Tire (TBB)
• Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (NMC)
• Steel Spare Wheel (WLB)

SRT interior

BLACK - LEATHER TRIM SEATS W/PREFERRED SUEDE
BLACK/SEPIA - HIGH PERFORM LAGUNA LEATHER SEATS MSRP $1,495




USA Initial color availability

Laredo E
BILLET SILVER METALLIC CLEAR COAT
BLACK FOREST GREEN PEARL COAT
BRIGHT WHITE CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
CASHMERE PEARL COAT
DEEP CHERRY RED CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
GRANITE CRYSTAL MET. CLEAR COAT
MAXIMUM STEEL MET. CLEAR COAT
PACIFIC BLUE CLEAR COAT (Late availability)
TRUE BLUE PEARL COAT

Limited
BILLET SILVER METALLIC CLEAR COAT
BLACK FOREST GREEN PEARL COAT
BRIGHT WHITE CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
CASHMERE PEARL COAT
DEEP CHERRY RED CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
GRANITE CRYSTAL MET. CLEAR COAT
MAXIMUM STEEL MET. CLEAR COAT
PACIFIC BLUE CLEAR COAT (Late availability)
TRUE BLUE PEARL COAT

Overland
BILLET SILVER METALLIC CLEAR COAT (not available with INDIGO BLUE/BROWN interior)
BLACK FOREST GREEN PEARL COAT (not available with INDIGO BLUE/BROWN interior)
BRIGHT WHITE CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT (not available with INDIGO BLUE/BROWN interior)
CASHMERE PEARL COAT
DEEP CHERRY RED CRYSTAL PEARL COAT (not available with INDIGO BLUE/BROWN interior)
GRANITE CRYSTAL MET. CLEAR COAT (not available with INDIGO BLUE/BROWN interior)
MAXIMUM STEEL MET. CLEAR COAT
PACIFIC BLUE CLEAR COAT (Late availability)
TRUE BLUE PEARL COAT

Summit
BRIGHT WHITE CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
CASHMERE PEARL COAT
DEEP AUBURN PEARL COAT (Late availability)
DEEP CHERRY RED CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
GRANITE CRYSTAL MET. CLEAR COAT
PACIFIC BLUE CLEAR COAT (Late availability)

SRT
BILLET SILVER METALLIC CLEAR COAT
BRIGHT WHITE CLEAR COAT
BRILLIANT BLACK CRYSTAL PEARL COAT
GRANITE CRYSTAL MET. CLEAR COAT
MAXIMUM STEEL MET. CLEAR COAT
REDLINE 2 COAT PEARL

Sarlacc

sigh i knew it....4500 for the diesel...only available starting on the limited trim. means a vase price of 40g.

the need to offer it on the laredo and knock down the premium if they want it to actually sell.

Moog-Type-S

Grand Cherokee is getting pricey....but I can vouch that it's worth every red cent.

007Acura

Yes it is clearly evident that the Grand Cherokee has become Chrysler's flagship offering. It will be interesting to see the new Cherokee (Liberty) and what options it will offer.

I can't wait to see the new GC & SRT in person

charliemike

$63k for a SRT-8 ... Sweet Jesus.

neuronbob

Hell yeah! Gimme sum SRT hotness! That really looks good.

Sarlacc

Compare it to the cost of a X5 M, GL63, Cayenne...Its a steal.

Fibonacci

Have always had a soft spot for the GC despite the atrocious reliability scores. With the upgrades and finally the 8spd tranny in the SRT too, I can actually picture myself owning one of these.

Will need to go plant another 8 trees in my backyard to feel better about myself first though.

F23A4

Although it'll likely still not be anywhere as quick as the M or Cayenne Turbo, there's no question the SRT8 is a much better performance value.

Costco

I think the only thing I don't like is the grille, which is about my only nitpick about this new SRT8 Jeep.

Fibonacci

I really need to take an SRT for a spin. Quite frankly, I never really saw the attraction of a hot SUV, but this one could change my mind - great looking truck.

Sarlacc

There is a youtube vid of a new SRT spanking a M...but it could have also been the driver.

Either way..."not as fast" for these cars is still lightning quick, as you already know.

charliemike

While it may be faster and may finally have a comparable interior it is the precipitous depreciation and long term reliability I have concerns about.

$62k is a lot of money for a vehicle that does not have the reputation of being a vehicle worth $62k if you know what I mean.

007Acura

TFLcar.com

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uanIGukze3g" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853"></iframe>

007Acura

2014 Jeep SRT

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/q-IzfmWgdRQ" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853"></iframe>

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/aSM3K-l4iaE" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853"></iframe>

007Acura

Ralph Gilles in the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT



<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GKDl95winD0" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853"></iframe>

007Acura

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel First Drive

<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ltH7vhFbZwA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

stangg172004

i want the diesel!

Hapa DC5

I did until I saw it's 55k sheesh.

charliemike

That's about the same price as a VW Touareg TDI Lux with navigation. All Jeep has to do is convince people it's worth being considered alongside the X5, Touareg, Q5, ML, etc.

They're all $50k vehicles if you load them up with the usual options.

Hell, if you go nuts on an Explorer Sport you can hit $48k.

Jesus, I think I just made Sarlaac's argument for him.

Sarlacc

The overland summit with a diesel is 55k

But the diesel option is available on the Limited trim for far less.

Hapa DC5

My wife is talking big game like she's gonna ante for a diesel as her next car (too much Doomsday Preppers for her). She isn't buying the C-Max idea. Which I think is plenty of car for her. We have an '09 Highlander FWD V6 currently.

Are there any 3rd row diesel SUVs under 45k? I think the JGC and Touareg may not make the cut.

007Acura

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Diesel 0-60 MPH Review



<iframe width="853" height="480" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fapIGc3lWH4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

007Acura

Let's talk asses for a moment. What do they have to do with the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, you ask?

Well, we're here to tell you that this SRT can haul some. Lots of them, as a matter of fact: Jeep has increased the towing capacity of its most powerful SUV to 7,200 pounds. Assuming the average donkey weighs about 400 pounds, the Grand Cherokee SRT can haul ass to the tune of 18 burros, give or take a covered trailer or so, which is significantly more than it could in previous years. In 2013, the machine could manage 5,000 pounds, while the first generation was rated at just 3,500. The increase is mostly attributable to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and beefier rear axle, and it's a welcome update for those who'd like to use their SUV as, well, an SUV with an emphasis on utility.

You'll be pleased to know that this isn't the only kind of ass hauling the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is capable – it can also accelerate really, really quickly – 0-60 in 4.8 seconds to go along with quarter mile times in the low 13-second range and a top speed of 160 miles per hour. That's extraordinary for a vehicle of this ilk – and the run to 60 matches that of the last-gen model despite an extra shift taking place due to the new gearbox. Passing performance is even more impressive, as evidenced by a 35-75 mph sprint that's almost four seconds quicker than it was last year, again, thanks to the extra three gears in the transmission. It goes without saying that the 470 horses grazing on premium unleaded and spitting out 465 pound-feet of torque are also responsible for these accelerative antics, along with the full-time four-wheel-drive system called Selec-Track, which provides more traction than the most stubborn mule in the animal kingdom.

We've been rather fond of previous versions of this menacing machine, and with a slew of meaningful enhancements on the menu for the 2014 model year, we took to the track at the brand-new and most excellent Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas at the invitation of Jeep to find out just how Grand the iconic Cherokee nameplate has become.


We'll start with the styling. "Aggressive" is the word that best describes the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT, from its massive 20-inch wheels – a different pattern than last year's controversial "Spider Monkey" alloys is now available – wrapped in Pirelli P-Zero P295/45/ZR20 tires (Pirelli Scorpion Verde all-seasons are also available) to the unique blacked-out front fascia dominated by Jeep's traditional seven-slat grille. Viewed in profile, there aren't too many clues to the casual onlooker, besides the massive wheels, of course, that this isn't your average SUV. But look a little closer and you'll see details like blacked-out headlight clusters with LED surrounds and a deeply scooped hood with functional heat extractors – telltale signs that this mule is built to haul.

Even if you happen to be behind this brutish 'ute, it will be impossible to miss Jeep's SRT – if the unique rear fascia doesn't tip you off, the rumble emanating from the dual exhaust tips is sure to seal the deal. The soundtrack belted out by the massive 6.4-liter Hemi V8 will stir the souls of all those enamored with big displacement and natural aspiration – you can count us among that group – just as surely as it will irritate your grandparents on long highway slogs.

If nothing else, looking at and listening to the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT proves that SRT CEO Ralph Gilles isn't just blowing smoke when he says that the brand is "Unapologetically selling high performance."




It's also worth noting that the rear glass is no longer separate from the rest of the tailgate. Jeep says the change makes the piece lighter while improving rear visibility. That's all true, but the ability to stick long objects out the back without a fully erect lid is now lost, though that may at least partially be forgiven since the tailgate is now power operated.

The look inside the cabin has also been fine-tuned for performance drivers. Carbon fiber trim replaces the wood accents found in less powerful Grand Cherokee models, and the so-called Laguna leather and suede seating surfaces are nice and grippy. New for the model year is a dual-pane panoramic sunroof option. Oh, don't forget the bright red engine start/stop button. Racy!

SRT's new-for-2014 steering wheel deserves mention. According to Gilles, the automaker purchased wheels of high-performance models hailing from the likes of Audi, BMW and Porsche to make sure its wheel, one of the most tactile parts of the driving experience, is truly world class. As far as we're concerned, SRT has nailed it – the wheel is nice and meaty where your hands want to rest, and the buttons and controls don't get in the way while driving. Similarly, the big metal paddle shifters on either side of the wheel are easy to locate and feel good to the touch.



Along with the new transmission comes a new shifter. Shaped like a traditional T, the lever is now fully electronic, with separate detents when moving from Park to Reverse, Neutral or Drive. As with all such doohickeys, this one takes some time getting comfortable with, but it eventually becomes a non-issue. Directly behind the shifter is a rotating knob with settings labeled Track, Sport, Auto, Snow and Tow, and just to the right of that is a button labeled Launch. We'll talk more about these bits and pieces later.The biggest changes to the interior are the new 8.4-inch Uconnect central infotainment system, of which many Autoblog staffers voted tops in its category when it won the AOL Technology of the Year Award for 2012, and the seven-inch customizable display in the gauge cluster.

For the 2014 model year, Chrysler is introducing Uconnect Access Via Mobile, which includes navigation and apps like Aha Radio, Pandora, iHeart Radio and Slacker, plus safety features that include an embedded cellular chip that can contact emergency services; remotely lock, unlock or start the car; and alert the owner of a possible theft.

The entire Uconnect system can now be activated using voice commands, from switching radio stations, changing climate settings, answering or making phone calls or calling upon the cloud using Bing search for directions, places of interest or phone numbers. Drivers can also send and receive text messages if they have connected their phone via Bluetooth.

Since this is an SRT model, the center screen also displays performance data. For instance, the driver can call upon a series of gauges to monitor the vehicle's vital signs, a graphic display of the car showing the g-forces from every direction, lap times or current and best acceleration and braking figures.

Directly in front of the driver is a new seven-inch instrument cluster screen that can electronically display things like the car's speed, current powertrain and suspension settings, trip information, fuel economy, radio settings and plenty more.

Now that we're familiar with our surroundings, it's finally time to hit that big red button to start the engine.

You might think that driving the 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT is all about the engine... and you wouldn't necessarily be wrong. The grunt underhood does indeed dominate the driving experience, and we mean that in the best way possible. Acceleration from a dead stop is effortless up to freeway speeds and beyond, though you won't be lighting up the rear tires as with other products from SRT. Instead, instant all-wheel-drive traction is the name of the game, and holeshot starts are as easy as touching the Launch button we mentioned earlier.

One press puts the car into a predetermined mode that optimizes everything for straight-line acceleration. The suspension hunkers down, the transmission goes into its sportiest programming mode and the engine settles into a 2,000-rpm hum. Let your foot off the brake while mashing the throttle, and you'll be to 60 mph in well under five seconds, each and every time, so long as you're not driving on something as slick as snow, mud, snot or marbles.

Assuming you're interested in more than just pin-your-passengers-back antics, we suggest you investigate the dial to the right of the Launch button. If you're driving at a track, there's a dedicated mode that takes as many of the electronic nannies away as Jeep's engineers felt was safe, including the removal of anything that would take full power away from the engine, along with a torque split that sends 70 percent to the rear tires. There's still roll mitigation and some small level of traction control, however, and that's likely a good thing for everyone but professional race car drivers.

Sport mode adds some of those failsafe features back into the mix, but still allows enough wheelspin to make an aggressive driver feel fast while still being under control with a 65-percent rearward torque bias. This is probably where you'll want to keep the knob pointed on the street. Auto mode is self explanatory, as are Snow and Tow, but you may be interested to know that Auto provides the cushiest ride while Snow and Tow modes lock the torque distribution at 50/50 front to rear.

We already talked a bit about how the eight-speed transmission improves performance, but it's also worth mentioning that the gearbox now includes rev matching, meaning the throttle is automatically blipped when downshifting for smoother and quicker shifting. All in, Jeep says its test drivers shaved six-tenths of a second off their lap times due to the upgraded transmission at Nelson Ledges Road Course in Ohio. That's a massive improvement when talking all-out hot laps.

Braking performance is also very good. Jeep quotes a stopping distance of 116 feet from 60 mph along with a 0-100-0 time of 16.3 seconds. We were only given the opportunity to take the SRT around COTA for two laps at a time, so we can't say if brake fade will be a significant issue. We can say, though, that the 15-inch rotors with six-piston Brembo calipers at the front and 13.78-inch rotors with four-piston Brembo calipers stopped the heavy SUV with authority over the course of our track time, limited as it was.

Steering the Grand Cherokee SRT, we were reminded how polished the final generation of hydraulic power steering systems have been... because this Jeep is still fitted with one in lieu of the electronic units that are becoming commonplace. As such, you won't find driver adjustable steering feel or any changes in ratio, which is locked in at 17.5:1. That's just fine and dandy, though, because the settings chosen by SRT's engineers for the rack-and-pinion work perfectly well.

Throwing the 2014 SRT into a corner demonstrates a few interesting points. First, there's hardly any body roll when the vehicle is in Track mode, and second, there's quite a bit of grip available to be exploited by the driver. It's easy enough to set the car into a controllable four-wheel drift around sweeping corners, and it's just as easy to scrub a bit more speed for the sake of quicker exits and lap times. Pick your poison – either way, you'll be having way more fun than should be lawful in a block-shaped vehicle weighing 5,150 pounds.

On COTA's long back straight, the Jeep's heft and general lack of aerodynamic efficiency becomes apparent as acceleration slows once into triple-digit speeds. That's not to say it's actually slow, it's just not accelerating as fiercely as it does at lower velocities. In any case, we'd wager a paycheck or two that high-speed acceleration significantly improved with the three additional ratios for 2014 compared to previous years, saddled as it was with an aging five-speed unit.

Fuel mileage is not going to be at the top of the target buyer's list of concerns, but we're happy to report that the 2014's estimated ratings of 13 miles per gallon in the city and 19 on the highway are each one mpg better than before. Click the car into Eco mode and those figures improve, according to Jeep, by around six percent. Fear not, hot shoes, full throttle in either Eco or normal modes is the same.

Interior dimensions mirror those of other Grand Cherokee models, with 40.3 inches of legroom up front and 38.6 in the rear. Cargo capacity maxes out at 68.7 cubic feet, or at 35.1 with the rear seats in their full upright and locked positions. You'll be able to fit four adults inside comfortably, or five if you have to, and they will all enjoy heated seats (cooled up front, too), an attractive and airy cockpit with reasonable visibility and even an optional rear-seat Blu-ray/DVD entertainment system with monitors that swing up from the front seatbacks.

Put another way, strip all the go-fast goodies from the SRT and you're left with a highly competitive sport utility vehicle. But why in the world would you want to do that? If you're in the market for a super 'ute, put your local Jeep dealer on your must-visit list, and make sure you bring at least $62,995 (plus $995 for that pesky destination charge) along with you.

By choosing the Jeep, you'll be saving more than $20,000 off the price of anything else that might be called competition, vehicles including the BMW X5M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and the European contenders boast option prices that will easily put you into a second mortgage if you're not careful. Yes, those vehicles, along with the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged, may be a little quicker, faster or more powerful. They might boast more brand cachet and they may be more refined than the beast from Jeep. But they won't be any more practical, and we're not sure they're that much more fun, either. Besides, when the automotive discussion turns toward track-biased super-performance sport utility vehicles, fun thrown in the face of conventional wisdom really is the name of the game, don't you think?

phile

This is one good looking Jeep. I'd be afraid to take it off-road, even if I knew I could.

Hapa DC5

Does anyone know if the Durango (which has a 3rd row) will get the diesel? David....?

Sarlacc

Wish I knew...I think the jeep is a bit of a test market at the moment.

Hapa DC5

I'm liking the price point of the Dodge and a third row. Hope they decide to throw the diesel in it.

Sarlacc

I love the Durango (more than the highlander) I was sold on it after renting one back east for two weeks. I also like the Ford Flex a lot. They are great rides.

The Flex has the more expensive turbo, the 3.6 in the Dodge does a pretty decent job, a little better when it gets the 8spd like the rest.

I would hope it got the diesel, but who knows. Rumors have been flying the Durango might get canned and it will become a Jeep Grand Wagoneer (more money).

Again...who knows.

007Acura

Jeep SRT vs. Porsche Cayenne GTS vs. BMW X5M
TFLcar.com quick comparison

<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DOmVS8bhcXo" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" width="853"></iframe>

charliemike

Curb weight of the Grand Cherokee diesel is 5300lbs.

Moog-Type-S

SRT mighty impressive in 0-60....considering the competition and their cost.

007Acura

^
It is and a journalist at the event was able to get a 4.3 time

Moog-Type-S

Wow!

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

damn nice!

007Acura

Interview with Ralph Gilles about the new Jeep SRT

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biker

http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/04/auto...sal/index.html

biker

NHTSA

alex2364

Looks like Chrysler buckled under pressure at the last possible second.

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dl...#axzz2Wav3QEb5